I was recently released from FPC Phoenix. Before I surrendered I tried in vain to find info on this institution. Now that I'm out, I want to make myself available to answer any questions anyone might have concerning federal prison camps for females, specifically Phoenix.

I just want to say I think it's really cool to see another "ex" here who's willing to spend time helping out others in bad straits. I've been offering similar help on FCI Elkton to any who ask. Weirdly, a couple times people say "I need info," and I send a PM to offer to discuss it, and then they go away. What's the point of asking if they don't want the answer? Oh well.

I saw your other post on overly supervised release. Unfortunately, I don't have any concrete suggestios; my employer knows my situation, and just doesn't care.

Thank you for offering information on FPC Phoenix. My mom was sentenced on 7/13 and the judge recommended the least restrictive facility in Arizona. Am I correct that this would be the facility recommended? How long does it take to get a designation? What is this camp like? She likes to read, garden, weave, will all of this be available to her? What is the commissary like? What should she expect on her first day? How much money can she take? She has food allergies that cause her to become ill, what is the food like? What are the sleeping arrangements like? I have so many questions for her, I look forward to your reply. Thank you.

I was recently released from FPC Phoenix. Before I surrendered I tried in vain to find info on this institution. Now that I'm out, I want to make myself available to answer any questions anyone might have concerning federal prison camps for females, specifically Phoenix.

Maybe you could help me out too, id really appreciate it,..same questions as the other lady had......thank you so very much!!!!!!!!!!!, Wanda.

I can't tell you the details that fish_undercover can, but I can tell you that my mom self-surrendered in August and has completed about 3 months at the camp. She has made due despite her age (she will be 69 in January). The first few weeks she slept in the hall because there were no beds immediately available. She actually had her self-surrender date extended due to limited availability. All in all its not too bad for her, although she is very uncomfortable living with so many people. Once you get your number from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (bop.gov, don't forget the www), you can mail yourself some money to use once you get there. Make sure you don't mail this too early. You also should mail yourself a letter with all the addresses and phone numbers you need because you will have to provide it to the prison before you can make any phone calls. If you have not identified a number, you cannot call it. All the information relating to sending money and mail can be found on that website. Many of the women in the camp wore in basic earrings and were allowed to keep them, my mom was able to keep her own eyeglasses. Make sure if you have any medications that you get a prescription before you go in and take it with you so that the prison can fill it for you. Let me know if you have any specific questions, I can ask my mom when I talk to her. Otherwise, fish_undercover was extremely helpful when my mom went in....good luck.

Thank you, Crickit. i will be goin there soon,..just kinda wondered what all i might have access to, weather it be classes, work, or programs,..whats the camp itself like???...thanx for any and all help,...Wanda.

Waiting lists for classes have been long. Work is definite. My mom currently works in the kitchen. As far as programs, it depends on your situation. There are programs available, but sometimes your charges play a role in whether or not you are eligible to participate. For instance, for drug charges there is a drug program which will help you get out sooner, but if you have gun enhancement then you may not be eligible.

My daughter is in Alderson (W. VA) right now serving 36 mos. She has no visitors since I live in AZ and the rest of the family is in FL. She wants to transfer to AZ so I can visit her, but she knows nothing about it. At Alderson, she is very involved in yoga. Do they have yoga classes in AZ? She is very computer literate and would love to study web design or something similar. Do they offer anything like that? What are the phone privleges like? Are they limited to 300 mins per month? Do they have to pay for emails? How big are the cubicles? Also, is it cool enough inside during the summer months? You know, Mom's worry about those things ;0).

Thank you so much for your willingness to offer info. It is greatly appreciated.

Summer's Mom

Quote:

Originally Posted by fish_undercover

I was recently released from FPC Phoenix. Before I surrendered I tried in vain to find info on this institution. Now that I'm out, I want to make myself available to answer any questions anyone might have concerning federal prison camps for females, specifically Phoenix.

Hello Mom (Sandy)
I was released from the Phoenix camp last April and sometimes still get wind of what it is like there. There were not any specific classes that offered yoga. However, if someone is interested in starting up yoga classes they can go through the recreation director and he may start one up as long as in inmate is willing to teach it. I believe we had one or two yoga videos. Hopfully, they have received more videos with yoga.

As for classes, there are college classes offered there through a university, but none that offer computer classes since the facility does not have computers for those purposes. Things may have changed though and they may have computers now, but not that I am aware of. We did not have email there and I have not heard of any email privleges yet...

Yes, the phone privleges are 300 mins and an extra 100 during the holidays. I am not good with determining size but my guess was the room sizes are 10X12 or maybe 12X12. Yes, it is absolutely cool enough inside during the summer months...It is very hot outside, so most of us showered about 2 to 3 times a day and if she were to have a top bunk the vent is located right above her bed. Good in the summer, but cold in the winter because the temp from the vent does not change. She could just double up on thermals and socks like I did, though.

Overall, the camp is not bad, but I hear it's not the best of them all. If I can help with anything else, let me know...

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandy metter

Hi,

My daughter is in Alderson (W. VA) right now serving 36 mos. She has no visitors since I live in AZ and the rest of the family is in FL. She wants to transfer to AZ so I can visit her, but she knows nothing about it. At Alderson, she is very involved in yoga. Do they have yoga classes in AZ? She is very computer literate and would love to study web design or something similar. Do they offer anything like that? What are the phone privleges like? Are they limited to 300 mins per month? Do they have to pay for emails? How big are the cubicles? Also, is it cool enough inside during the summer months? You know, Mom's worry about those things ;0).

Thank you so much for your willingness to offer info. It is greatly appreciated.

Wow. The BOP sure does mess with people. My report date is June 30th. In March, I found out that I was going to Greenville, IL. Just today, they called to tell me that they changed their mind and I'm going to Phoenix. I live in Missouri, so I have no idea how I'm going to get there. Also, I have a six month old son and my husband in Missouri. This makes visitation nearly impossible now.

Anyway, any updated information about the women's prison camp in Phoenix is appreciated. Some quick questions:

1. Can I wear my contact lenses or do I have to wear my glasses?

2. Can I bring a money order for the commissary and how much should I bring?

3. I know this might seem petty, but what about shaving your legs and armpits?

4. I have a current prescription for blood pressure medication but I only have the bottle of meds. Should I bring that or actually get the prescription again from my doctor?

5. Can I wear a non-jeweled silver cross necklace? It was only $15 and is sentimental to me.

Anything else you can think of would be greatly appreciated. I'm really wavering between scared and pissed off right now that it got changed at the last possible moment.

I was recently released from FPC Phoenix. Before I surrendered I tried in vain to find info on this institution. Now that I'm out, I want to make myself available to answer any questions anyone might have concerning federal prison camps for females, specifically Phoenix.

Hi Fish,
My name is Kristin and I too was just sentenced and I am trying to find out as much info as possible about the women's satallite prison camp. I have so many questions. Is there a different manual than the men's FCI/pheonix? b/c that is all I can seem to find. How was it there? I have never been in trouble in my life so I am freaking out a little bit of course as to I have no idea what to expect. Were the women nice to you while you were in there? Was there any programs for furthering your education? Any workout things like yoga or swimming, etc? What is a good amount of money to bring in with you and do you have to bring a money order? Sorry for all these questions. . . I know I will think of more too. I'd really appreciate any advice you could give me. Thanks so much!

Hi Fish,
My name is Kristin and I too was just sentenced and I am trying to find out as much info as possible about the women's satallite prison camp. I have so many questions. Is there a different manual than the men's FCI/pheonix? b/c that is all I can seem to find. How was it there? I have never been in trouble in my life so I am freaking out a little bit of course as to I have no idea what to expect. Were the women nice to you while you were in there? Was there any programs for furthering your education? Any workout things like yoga or swimming, etc? What is a good amount of money to bring in with you and do you have to bring a money order? Sorry for all these questions. . . I know I will think of more too. I'd really appreciate any advice you could give me. Thanks so much!

I may soon be assigned to 12 months in FPC Phoenix. I'm desperately trying to learn something about it, so far unsuccessfully. Do they have any yoga instruction or opportunities? Art classes or options? What are typical jobs? I've read I should carry my legal papers with me, but that would require folders or a brief case. Will they let me keep that? Thanks for any info you can provide. I'm a 71-year old grandmother.

Am I supposed to take the actual prescriptions or just a list from my doc's office? My PO says not to take any meds with me, but a book on federal prisons said take a month's supply? Now I'm confused! Which is it? You're saying take the dr.'s script...

Welcome to Prison Talk. Try to get an answer about bringing your prescriptions from the prison after you know where you will actually be going. Definitely take a letter from your doctor explaining your medical diagnoses and treatment plans. I took my medications with me to the bop. They were confiscated and the medical person who did the intake triage decided what medications I would receive in the future from the prison pharmacy. The medications will be determined from the prison RX formulary, so any "brand" prescriptions will be replaced with inexpensive formulary meds. Check your RXs against the formulary, and ask your doctor to change you to the best alternative formulary drug, or at least tell you what is the best available substitute.http://www.bop.gov/resources/pdfs/formulary.pdf

Unless you will be actively pursuing legal issues, such as a pending appeal, I know no reason why you would need, or want to bring any legal paperwork with you to prison. Legal paperwork is one of the few things an incoming inmate can keep, eyeglasses and a wedding ring are two others, but a list of phone numbers & addresses, plus your medical paperwork can be considered "legal paperwork". Even so, mail yourself a second copy at the prison too.